In the Heat of the Moment: During the Dangerous Dog Days of Summer, Petplan Pet Insurance Offers Safety Tips to Keep Pets Protected
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) July 22, 2013 -- Records for high temperatures are being shattered across the country, and oppressive heat waves seem to be sweeping from coast to coast. While some pet parents may welcome the warmer weather, Petplan pet insurance advises that these conditions can be downright dangerous for four-legged family members.
Like people, pets can overheat—but unlike us, they lack the ability to cool their bodies through sweating. Furry friends regulate their body temperature by panting, but in weather this extreme, it doesn’t take long before they can face serious heat-related health hazards—the most dangerous of which is heat stroke, or hyperthermia.
"Hyperthermia is extremely serious, not only because it can permanently damage a pet’s health, but because it can do so very rapidly,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President of Veterinary Services for Petplan. “The change of only a few degrees to a dog’s normal body temperature, which usually peaks at around 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, can result in coma, organ dysfunction and even permanent brain damage or death, as we see every summer with pets who are left in hot cars.”
“Signs of heat distress can be subtle, so watch for restlessness, excessive panting or drooling. If your pet shows any of these signs, get them to a veterinarian immediately. Professional monitoring and support, including intravenous fluid therapy, are often crucial to ensure your pet makes a full recovery,” Benson says. “On the way to the clinic, place cool, damp towels on your pet’s neck, underarms and groin area to begin lowering his body temperature slowly and safely.”
The veterinary care required to treat a pet suffering from heat stroke can be both extensive and expensive. According to Petplan claims data, reimbursements for veterinary costs for heat stroke averaged $1,168.43 per incident in 2012, and some especially overheated pets have ended up with vet bills topping $4,330.
With prevention in mind, Petplan pet insurance offers the following tips to help furry friends stay healthy – and cool – throughout the dog days of summer:
• Take a Dip: Many pets love playing in water (even some cats!), and it can be a fun way to cool down together. Find a nearby shallow creek or stream to wade in (make sure their vaccines are up to date!), or just break out the backyard garden hose and fill an inexpensive kiddie pool, then watch your furry friend splash up a storm.
• Drink It In: Pets can easily dehydrate on hot days, even inside the house, so frequently check his water dish to be sure he has plenty of cool, fresh water. If you’re embarking on outdoor activities with your pet, remember to bring extra water and a container for him to drink from.
• Consider Weather to Walk: If your pet’s daily jog usually happens around lunchtime, it’s time to shake up the schedule. Avoid exercising or playing with pets outdoors during peak times of day. Plan any outdoor activities either early (before 11 a.m.) or late in the day (after 6 p.m.) so pets can stay comfortable and cool.
• Shop Solo for Safety: If you’ve got to dash to the store and wonder if Fido or Fluffy would like to come for the ride, think again. It takes very little time for the temperature in your car to rise to life-threatening levels, as Petplan Advisory Board member Dr. Ernie Ward has personally demonstrated. Your pets will be much more comfortable if they stay safely at home while you hit the shops.
So when spiking heat and humidity send weather forecasters scrambling, just stay cool – and safe – with these pet-friendly summertime tips. For more information on keeping your help healthy and safe in every season, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.
About Petplan
Petplan is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. In February 2013, Petplan pet insurance was at No. 34 on Forbes annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan’s fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan pet insurance policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2012). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com, read the Petplan “Vets for Pets” Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.
Bill Tierney, Brian Communications, 484-385-2985, [email protected]
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